CVE-2022-22736 in Firefox
Summary
by MITRE • 12/22/2022
If Firefox was installed to a world-writable directory, a local privilege escalation could occur when Firefox searched the current directory for system libraries. However the install directory is not world-writable by default.<br>*This bug only affects Firefox for Windows in a non-default installation. Other operating systems are unaffected.*. This vulnerability affects Firefox < 96.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic privilege escalation flaw that exploits insecure library loading mechanisms in the Windows version of Firefox. The issue stems from Firefox's behavior when searching for system libraries during runtime, specifically when the application is installed in a directory that has world-writable permissions. This creates an exploitable condition where a malicious actor could place a crafted library file in the same directory as the Firefox executable, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-426, which addresses the insecure loading of dynamic libraries. When Firefox performs library resolution, it follows a search order that includes the current working directory before checking system directories. This behavior becomes dangerous when the installation directory is writable by unprivileged users, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed with the privileges of the running Firefox process. The vulnerability specifically affects installations where Firefox is placed in directories with world-write permissions, which is not the default configuration and requires non-standard installation practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for systems where Firefox is installed in world-writable directories, as it provides a pathway for local privilege escalation attacks. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain elevated system access, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's scope is limited to Windows systems running Firefox versions prior to 96, making it a targeted issue for specific deployment environments. This restriction means that organizations using default installation procedures or those running patched versions of Firefox are not affected by this particular vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include updating to Firefox version 96 or later, which contains patches addressing the insecure library loading behavior. System administrators should also ensure that Firefox installations are not placed in world-writable directories, maintaining proper file permissions and access controls. The remediation approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and secure configuration practices recommended in cybersecurity frameworks. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security audits to identify non-standard installation patterns that could expose systems to similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and proper library loading mechanisms in preventing privilege escalation attacks.